British and Irish Lions

The Stade Francais pair, who could be named in Laporte's 40-man squad for the RBS 6 Nations Championship on Thursday, have not played since suffering injuries during France's 26-25 victory over Argentina in November.

Hooker Szarzewski hurt his knee just five minutes after coming on as a substitute against the Pumas, while Martin, a flanker, dislocated his left thumb in the same game.

Both players should be back in training at the start of next week, but the crunch Heineken Cup clash with The Ospreys on January 14 could come too soon for them.
They should nevertheless be ready for France's first game of the Six Nations, against Italy in Rome on February 3.

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.